Poppy Chow [Chocolate & Peanut Butter-Covered Popcorn]

This popcorn version of the enormously popular muddy buddies (or “puppy chow”) is chocolate and peanut butter-covered popcorn tossed in powdered sugar.

I first discovered the wonder of muddy buddies a few years ago and since then, I have only been able to make them around the holidays, or else I will eat the entire batch within a matter of days. If you’ve never had them, muddy buddies (also sometimes called “puppy chow”) is chocolate and peanut butter-covered Rice Chex cereal that is tossed in powdered sugar. Basically, they’re the most addicting snack ever. This popcorn version simply replaces the cereal with popcorn, and I don’t think I even need to tell you how utterly fantastic of an idea that is. I’m currently hiding this from myself in the garage refrigerator until we have company because if it is easily accessible to me, I will absolutely eat all of it by Thursday.

My mom bears the responsibility for getting me hooked on chocolate-covered popcorn. One Easter about 10 years ago, my mom gave me a basket with some of my favorite chocolates (peanut butter eggs and meltaways, naturally), but there was something new in there. There was a package of chocolate-covered popcorn from a local candy company. I had never had it before, and to be honest, wasn’t sure how I would like it (I know, crazy, right?). Then I tried it… and the rest is pretty much history. I thought it was one of the most genius combinations I had ever eaten.

I typically use plain popcorn for this recipe, but last Friday, we went to the local orchard to buy pumpkins and I felt compelled to buy an enormous bag of kettle corn. About half of the bag got repurposed for this recipe, and it was just as good as the plain popcorn.

MY OTHER RECIPES

I also use large all-purpose bags from King Arthur Flour for coating the mixture in powdered sugar. I have found that it’s the easiest way to make sure that all of the pieces are evenly coated, but if you don’t have large enough bags, you can work in batches with a gallon-size resealable bag.

If you love all things sweet and salty, then this poppy chow was made for you. Grab some chocolate chips and peanut butter and get to it!

Poppy Chow [Chocolate & Peanut Butter-Covered Popcorn]

Yield:About 8 to 10 servings (possibly more if you're not chocolate/pb obsessed like me)

Prep:25 minutes

Total:25 minutes

This popcorn version of the enormously popular muddy buddies (or “puppy chow”) is chocolate and peanut butter-covered popcorn tossed in powdered sugar.

Ingredients:

9 cups plain popcorn

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup creamy peanut butter

¼ cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1½ cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Place the popcorn in a very large bowl; set aside.

Add the chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter to a large bowl. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until completely melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Immediately pour the chocolate mixture over the popcorn. Using a large spoon, stir until all of the popcorn is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.

Place the powdered sugar in a large bag and add the chocolate-covered popcorn. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until all of the popcorn is coated in powdered sugar. (If you don’t have a bag large enough, you can work in batches with a gallon-size resealable bag.) Spread the mixture out onto the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until set. The popcorn should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Oh dear, this is going to be bad. We’re obviously going to have to make this and then we will undoubtedly finish the entire thing off in one sitting because it just looks too amazing not to. Chocolate + peanut butter + popcorn? Lost cause.

OMG!! Popcorn and puppy chow- why have I never tried this before! Genuis! i think i am making it tonight (and trying smores whoopie pies this weekend!!) Your blog rocks (:http://www.elliecartebaking.blogspot.com

If you like chocolate covered popcorn you need to try black and white kettle corn… it’s in the snack aisle at most grocery stores and it big bags at Sam’s club. It is totally addictive! Then you can post us a recipe for that… 🙂

Oh how I love combining chocolate and popcorn. Though, I have to admit my favorite guilty chocolate/popcorn combination uses microwaved popcorn and a Hershey bar. Adding peanut butter to the party seems like it would take the creation to a whole new level. Thanks for sharing!

Wow! Before I found your site, I didn’t think there was someone out there that loved peanut butter and chocolate as much as I do. But lucky for me there is because now I have all your recipes to try out. This looks amazing!

This reminds me of some popcorn we got for Christmas 2 years ago, except it was made with white chocolate and peanut butter. Now my hubby doesn’t like popcorn, but he LOVED that one! I may have to give this a try and surprise him!

Made this for movie night tonight! My boyfriend LOVED it, but I was missing the crunch I get with the chex version. I liked your idea of throwing some peanuts in, think I will try that next time! Thanks for posting this, brought back lots of good memories! I used to BEG my mom to make this for me growing up, haven’t had it in years! 🙂

Found your recipe for “Poppy” chow through links Pinterest. Made it for my work pals and it almost didn’t make it there. Sooo good! Had to check out the rest of your blog too. Also from the Burgh, Go Steelers! You know have a new follower.

I just made this with my son. It is in the fridge as we speak and all I can say is, YUMM!!!!!!!!! If it tastes half as good set up as it does after it is first mixed, then we are in trouble. My doctor would def not approve, sshhhh don’t tell him. LOL Great idea. Thanks so much for the recipe, this is def a new favorite.

I had never heard of making puppy chow with popcorn before, so I had to try this. After tasting this chocolatey peanut butter popcorn concoction, I have to say I like the cereal version better because of the satisfying crunch. However, this was still really good and it satisfied my chocolate craving. For popcorn, I think I’ll stick to my marshmallows. Thanks for sharing. Always nice to try something new.

I want to try this!! However , I’m all out of confectioners sugar. I’m thinking how would it be to reduce the creamy peanut butter and dust with powdered peanut butter a la PB2. That’d also reduce the calories and fat